Great Wall reports BYD to China authorities over alleged emission fraud

Great Wall is accusing its fellow Chinese automaker BYD in making cars that harm the environment. Per CarNewsChina, the corporation purchased two hybrid vehicles and had both tested in the CATARC lab. The results were reportedly exceeding the norm.

The specific models tested were Qin Plus (sedan) and Song Plus (crossover SUV). Both were equipped with a DM-i hybrid powertrain. Per Great Wall, their fuel tanks were designed in a manner that permitted petrol fumes to leak into the atmosphere. The company said it hoped that the local authorities would launch an investigation into the matter and expose the violation of the environmental legislation by BYD.

In turn, BYD responded by calling the evaluation ‘incorrect’, accusing Great Wall of unfair competition and reserving the right for a cross claim. It also emphasized that both production cars were able to pass all the legally required certification stages.

The media are speculating that Great Wall could be attempting to spoil the image of the DM-i powertrain in the customers’ eyes, as the company has been preparing to launch multiple cars built with its own hybrid solution named Hi-4 at the core.

In China alone, the two cars accused of exceeding their emissions sell over 800,000 annual units combined. Nevertheless, if an investigation finds issue with either, a large-scale recall may follow.